Department of Physics & Engineering

The aim of physics is to study nature at its most fundamental level— to gain a unifying understanding of the world around us. As a discipline, it studies systems ranging in size from the smallest elementary particles to the entire universe. Almost any scientific problem can be approached using the ideas and methods of physics, which is why there are many "hybrid" disciplines such as astrophysics, biophysics, and geophysics. Physics lies at the heart of the natural sciences. This central position among the sciences means that physics is an ideal starting point for many kinds of scientific and engineering work. It also means that physics is a perfect academic focus for a liberal arts education.

Training in physics gives students great flexibility in selecting a career. The powerful array of technical skills taught to physics majors - critical thinking and problem solving, computers, electronics, mathematical analysis, technical writing - are of practical importance in many areas of theoretical and applied science and are essential to doing good science in general.

Science is a way to teach how something gets to be known, what is not known, to what extent things are known (for nothing is known absolutely), how to handle doubt and uncertainty, what the rules of evidence are, how to think about things so that judgments can be made, how to distinguish truth from fraud, and from show.
- Richard Feynman (Theoretical Physicist & Nobel Laureate)

Studying for a physics degree at Ouachita will provide you with benefits which last a lifetime. Potential employers value the broad training, versatility, and laboratory experience of physics graduates. Students who study physics are prepared to work on forefront ideas in science and technology, in academia, the government, or the private sector. Many of our students have gone on to graduate school in physics, related sciences, or engineering. Others have pursued medical school, computer science, teaching, or a career in business. We would love to count you among our future graduates.

Dr. Kevin Cornelius
email: [email protected]
OBU Box 3764
Arkadelphia, AR 71998-0001
phone: 870.245.5407
fax: 870.245.5241

Program Educational Objectives

After 3-5 years post-graduation graduates will:

1. Be employed using their engineering skills or pursuing advanced studies.
2. Be lifelong learners by accumulating additional technical, professional, and communication skills, education, and licensure needed in an ever-evolving world.
3. Be collegial professionals who use their engineering talents and skills in diverse situations alongside colleagues, clients, or others to serve in their community or around the world.
4. Be reliable, hardworking people of integrity

Student Learning Objectives

1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
2. an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
4. an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
5. an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Enrollment Data

YEAR	ENROLLMENT
2023-2024	54
2024-2025	61